Joe and Jonno’s final reflection

28th January 2011

Joe and Jonno’s final reflection

They say an army marches on its stomach... well this week we made the army march.

This week has made us realise that our learning is at its best outside the class room. It’s not for everyone but it works for the vast majority of people on our course. We are looking forward to the next residential. Once all the power points and the note taking are gone you get to learn in a way that suits us best.... By doing it.

We both feel that experiences such as linnet Clough phase 1 and 2 teach you more than any lesson could, Such as responsibility, respect, team work, leadership and many more life skills that we won’t forget. It is important to experience these things outside the class room and to get out there in the thick of it.
The residential’s experiences really do make this course what it is, and that’s what makes Chesterfield College uniformed public services the best.

Joe and Jonno

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Grant said,

Whilst at Linnet I managed to bump up a few pass grades to higher levels which put’s me in good stead for decent final target marks. The skits that we all took part in were great and helped us all bond together as a team.
Now I can’t wait to get back to college and start outdoor activities and finish off all my other assignments.

Grant Weller

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Callie said,

Even though I didn't originally want to come to Linnet for the second time, I've enjoyed my time here. Now that the go kart track is finished it looks really good and professional! I've manages to improve my grades as well from year one which is a bit of a bonus! Martin taught me how to use spell check on my phone which is handy to know when I need to spell a word correctly.
The skits were amazing too! I think I can speak for us all and say we've had a brilliant time all working together and chilling at night.
I've spoke to people I haven't spoken to before so i can safely say I've made new friends I might be a fussy eater but i was well catered for and really enjoyed my 'special' food and appreciate it.
Thanks to the staff who have helped arrange this trip and to the staff who have had to put up with us for a week!

Callie LambX

Tutor's Log Thursday 27th Jan 2011

This project has proved beyond doubt that the creative approaches to learning that have been embedded within the residential activities has improved student performance, increased motivation and raised levels attainment. With the similar strategies planned for the remainder of this academic year, these learners are set to complete their course with grades far exceeding their predicted Target Minimum.

Week 2 Mid week up-date learner observations and comments 3

Sam Haney said,

To be truthful I come here not really knowing what to expect, but I knew it was going to be great just because I’d be with my friends, and it has turned about to be fun, rewarding, and a great use of time, I came on this camp because I was losing the spark with public services, but now I really want to crack on with it and get it finished.

I’m even upset of the thought of leaving. I’m really looking forward to the rest of the course and I’m glad we’re getting fitness back.

I feel like we have bonded and pulled together as a team. I love the fact that we are working as a team on one big task and everyone is pulling their weight.

Summary
Great use of time and really rewarding
What you put in is what you get out.
Makes you realize/decide if life is for you.

SH

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William said,

It's all going well so far, having a really good time doing the work as it's such a more relaxed environment. The go kart track is getting towards completion and shows that the effort that we have put in was well worthwhile.
We are all now more focused on finishing the year on a high as it's giving us time to boost up our grades from this and last year

William Hughes

Week 2 Mid week up-date learner observations and comments 2

Jack said,

It's only the third day and we have done a lot of work. The Go Kart Track is going well, and should be done in time. It was hard work but really worth it. You get a good feeling of self accomplishment, as well as feeling closer as a group.

We are also upping some grades, from the first and second year, which is great because it will step up our final grades.

Everyone is getting along and having fun, the down time is well earned and enjoyed in a relaxed environment.

It is good to know that when we go back to college we should have a nice smooth rub to the end if the year with assignments finished and having fun with outdoor activities

Jack Grace




Jamie said,
So we've all been here for 2 days now and already we've accomplished quite a lot with the Go-Kart track. Today we have the chance to improve our work from the first year.
By the end of the week i will have successfully completed 120 hours of voluntary work which will definitely help me for my future career interviews etc, caught up on a lot of work and improved on last year’s grades, already it’s been well worth it and I’m glad I’ve had this chance.

Riggerz



Dominic said,
I know I am not an academic person and I do struggle sometimes with the work. However, this week has been absolutely great so far. I enjoy being among friends and having a good time. This year we have not done as much physical activities as we used to, when we do we thrive.
This week is great it helps everyone get there work completes and have a great time, come rain or shine.

Thank you for organising this event.

Dominic Green

Week 2 Mid week up-date learner observations and comments

Alex said:

Going well so far, relaxed yet working atmosphere compared to the first time we came to linnet.
Gives us a chance to get stuck in with doing some hard work, so far the gokart track is built just a few things in and around the track needs doing.

First thing me and my group did was dig a long path going towards the track, was tough to start with as the ground was full of attached roots but we worked together as a team to get through the path.
Yesterday my group are getting a chance to go through our course work and improve areas that need improving including stuff from the first year, had a meeting with sue to go through what needs doing so far and who we need to see about the work to get it improved.

Getting another chance to do our work today and doing our presentation with Jason.
I’m looking forward to the rest of the week.

Alex Charlalambours

Sadie said,
Well after the passing phase 1 i never wanted to return to linnet Clough ever again!! But I’m glad I have, even though it’s only Wednesday and iv got a few days left to go, we have done a lot of work.
We have been given the chance to boost our grades from last year, I am hoping to go from a merit to a distinction and also do a new assignment on terrorism, which I received a merit for. Im really pleased about that.
The go kart track is looking really good, yesterday we was digging up all the mud in the middle to make it flat and slopes on the edges, really ache today though!! I’d like to say thank you to all the people who made this trip happen as i think it is just what we needed to bring us all back together again, and as i am in a different group to last year its given me a chance to get to know everyone and make friends. I’m also really looking forward for what Bobs got planned for us tomorrow
xXx

Sadie Burrows

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Josh said,
Linnet phase 2 is a great experience!
Building/adding to the go-kart track has been fun, we are working together to get the project completed. Even with the weather at its poorest, people are still working hard and enjoying the experience.
In addition the food is spot on and it's always nice to get 2nds! Great time so far.

Josh Boam

Week 2 Mid week up-date Tutor observations

The images below tell their own story; the learners have achieved so much in such a short time.
Give the learners direction and the tools and they will go to work.

Day 8 26th Jan 2011

Day 1 Monday 17th Jan 2011

Week 2 Mid week up-date learner observations and comments

Day 5: The final Push and the Return Home

Friday: 21st January 2011

Completion of both assignment of project tasks, cleaning, packing and handover.

Learner Comments

Chris said,

Wow... Linnet Clough phase 2! I don't know where to start.

In fact I do, I lied. Firstly I would like to thank everyone that has made this event happen, each and every person involved in the organisation of this trip has done an amazing job and deserves an enormous amount of credit.

Without you we know this would have never been possible.

Its great for us to know that because of this trip, we have been improving not only the public service course for ourselves but for other students in the future. Also the scouts who will be visiting the site and using the amazing go-kart track that we built, in the future.

Being the first ever students to experience linnet clough phase 2, has put on a little pressure on the teams. The event should happen again, I think that we have behaved with maturity and professionalism and our work has been outstanding.

I believe that we will all leave linnet clough tomorrow with a great attitude towards completing the rest of the year. We will also leave feeling more of a team, increasing our friendships throughout college and also our enjoyment of the course.

Again I would like to thank everyone that made this possible and each person that has attended this week. I have loved every minute of this week and would definitely come back next week if i could.

I will miss absolutely every single person when we reach the end of this course and choosing to join this course was one of the best decisions of my life.

Chris Watts

Hollie said,

Well as you all probably know I left due to health problems and coming back to linnet really made me feel part of the group again. When I came back people didn't really know what to say to me and I felt a little left out, also having all that time off I missed loads of work so coming here gave me the chance to catch up on loads of assignment's i missed.

Helping out in the kitchen also gave me a new confidence, as I got to speak to people and feel like I gave them something back as I was doing something for them!

I sometimes feel like people think i have got out of work just because what I have gone through, but trust me i would rather do everyone work all together than go through what i have gone through ever again, I wouldn't wish it on my enemy.

I have really been my self here and feel like I have made new friends and become my old self again, so thank you to all the staff and students who have made me feel welcome again

I don't think I would of been able to do it without the amazing friends I have, Jade, Chloe, Lori and Callie so a big thank you to them.

Also a big thank you to the staff who have helped me through this and made it easier for me to catch up on the huge mountain of work i have.

Hollie Parkin x

Jamie Said,

I would like to give a massive thank you to all the staff who have made this possible. I've really enjoyed the week, and I'm walking away from here with two Distinctions and a merit, instead of two passes and a referral!

Thank you!!

Jamie Jepson